Ok, here I go again...
Andrea, I cannot change my passwords ten times a day and I just ask you to let this be. You were clever but I am not stupid either and I certainly can trace back your actions...
I think you know in what state Lydia is as I am sure you've read every single email I have sent over the last few weeks and I cannot understand how you dare to bother me with your childishness. Have you no sense of shame?
You may read all my private correspondence and delete whatever you wish but you cannot change things. Lydia is my wife, Andrea. I am married to her. Get that in your head.
Yes, I will be a widow in a few weeks but this doesn't mean I will be free for you then. Grow up and stop wasting my time.
If her health deteriorates because of anything you do - I am not going to look at your face again let alone talk to you.
Disclaimer:The world of HarryPotterbelongs to J.K. Rowling and I do not intend to make any money with this work. I owe the best anyway: the story :-)
Dedicated: to my beautiful wife. I love you my darling. baisers, bisoux and bises ;-)
Chapter 1
1st. It always holds a beginning of something.
The surpreme figure...
Winning the first place is what we want. Being the first. Doing something for the first time.
It lies a certain promise in it.
And yet, Albus chose to start with it on the 2nd.
It's less promising maybe, you are right to think that. But it wasn't on the first and either not on the 3rd, which has always been a powerful figure as well.
Albus, whose wisdom I do not question in any way, chose the 2nd of July. For it was just in between the promising 1st and the meaningful 3rd that he wanted to talk to me.
And maybe it was because of that, that this day started so very normal...
Albus watched Minerva as she walked into the Great Hall, chatting happily with Moody who had just returned from one of his.. oh well... let's call it "journeys".
They passed Professor Snape and Moody even stopped to shake hands for a moment while Minerva threw a few shy glances to... But this will be of importance later.
A clearing of his throat got him the attention he wanted and Minerva quickly walked over to him, still having rosy cheeks from chatting to Moody or maybe even from the unexpected sight of... well, I promised you to talk about this later.
"Albus, you here?" Minerva approached him with a heartful smile and outstreched hands to welcome her dearest friend and headmaster.
"My dear, how am I supposed to remain without our daily chats for longer than 2 weeks. Besides, I missed you too."
He blinked and tried to shut out his worries for a moment. They would have enough of them very soon and for some time then.
"I'm glad to find you well my dear," Albus said after he returning the hug and stepped back to watch his friend's face intensely.
"Why should I not be well, Albus?" Minerva's smile fainted after a few seconds when she saw the dark rings under her friend's eyes and the pale colour of his face.
"Albus, what...?"
He took her hand and looked around to make sure the words to follow would be unheard.
"Minerva, I have got to talk to you."
In his office he made her sit down, then reached up to put a finger on her lips to silence her for a moment until he had casted a spell on the room, so they wouldn't be heard.
"Now we can talk," he sighed in relief.
And Minerva didn't hesitate.
"Albus, what by Merlin is the matter? First you return early from some long desired holidays then you almost drag me away from lunch and now you cast a silencing charm on your office - what on earth..."
He raised his hand to make her listen.
"My dear, I know this must appear strangely to you but believe me, I have my reasons. I have learned about something while I was away that made me return right away and I have to share these knowledge with you. I need your help Minerva."
He stopped to wait for a reaction but his friend bade him to continue by only nodding her head.
"Minerva, I have reason to think that one of the teachers at Hogwarts is not what he or she seems to be. I have reason to believe this someone... might be going to harm you."
The witch raised a brow and folded her arms in a way that seemed to say 'now go tell me stories, Albus'.
"Harm me? Why should anyone do that, Albus?"
He inhaled very sharply and kept the oxigen for a long moment as if it was his last breath to take.
"I am sorry Min, I am afraid, it's true."
The confidence on the woman's face vanished after a moment when she saw his sincere look.
"Did you understand, Min?" Albus was worried. He didn't know how she would take it but her silence had always been some of the things he couldn't handle at all.
When Minerva didn't react he poured some water in a glass and handed it over to her.
She didn't take it but stared into empty space, fear slowily creeping up under her skin until it reached her throat.
"Who...?" Her voice was trembling and weak.
Albus took her hands in his' and bent down, looking into her eyes.
"My dear, I don't know that yet but I promise you we'll find out who it is and that very soon. - But I need your help."
Her eyes met his' and she nodded - suddenly she was very pale.
"I am scared, Albus." She got up and rushed into his arms, holding on to him with wide open eyes as if closing them might be too dangerous.
The old wizard stroke her back and tried his best to calm her down although he could hardly conceal his own fear. Minerva was his closed friend, if anyone would harm her... He shuddered.
"Nothing will happen my dear Minerva, I won't allow that be sure of this."
He wrapped his arms even tighter around her until the trembling had stopped and the witch looked up to ask
"Tell me what you want me to do, Albus. Did you work out something already?"
He blinked at her with sparkling eyes, a cunning smile around his lips.
"I sure did Min but first I need you to read this letter."
He reached for a sheet of paper in one of his sleeves and handed it to Minerva.
Dear Albus,
I need to tell you this as soon as possible and I hope this letter won't reach you too late.
You must return to Hogwarts this very moment you read this dear friend.
Take care of Minerva. You need to prevent the ongoing.
I know she means everything to you so I trust in you that you will unravel my words
for I cannot be more precise for obvious reason.
The letter wasn't signed and Minerva almost laughed when she had finished it.
"Is this why you are so scared, Albus? A letter? That isn't even signed?"
Her face was bathed in relief and appeard very youthful in this moment.
"Albus, I cannot believe you trusted the words of someone who doesn't even have the back to sign a letter like this."
His eyes reflected deepest concern when he said "I am afraid, Min, but I do believe these words."
The woman in front of him laughed out loud, her voice a bit high pitched and as if she wanted herself to sound as convinced as Albus obviously was but in a different meaning.
"But this is all hearsay, Albus. Someone mocked you and you didn't even notice, you interrupt your holiday because of some madman who tells you I am going to be hurt if you don't return...Maybe he or she wanted you to be gone and used this as a trick."
Her words resounded in the large, round room.
"My dear," Albus replied calmly "Not many people know how quickly I would return to Hogwarts if I knew you in any kind of danger."
She stared back into his eyes, noticing the shade of red on his face and his raged breathing over such word.
What a strange moment for such a confession she thought but hadn't the time to wonder whether he ever would have told her this if there had not been such a letter.
"What shall we do then?"
She sat down, knowing this was going to be a long night.
Chapter 2
All this happened on the 2nd of July as I told you before and I will continue to tell you what else happened after Minerva had been told by Albus in order to assure every precaution would be done. Little did they know that it was me who had send the letter - but who I am - this I will tell you not today.
"But Albus... what can we do? We don't know who sent this letter nor do we have any idea who it might be we have been warned against."
The old wizard made her sit down in one of the old armchairs - the green one, in which Minerva was used to beat him during one of their numerous chess games.
"What is most important now, my dear, is that we don't panic but try to keep our senses calm and clear. Do not fear, my Minerva, whoever it is who wants to harm you - know I will be there to make it the most difficult task in his poor life."
A faint smile grew to bloom on Minerva's face and she reached up to cup his hand, that was resting on her shoulder ever since she had sat down as if he was trying to pass on some of his own strength to her.
"Thank-you Albus, you are a true friend indeed."
He popped one of his lemon drops into his mouth after having offered her one.
"Do I have a choice?" he asked, blinking.
But Minerva's look remained serious. "Yes, we always have."
He knew she was right but he also know that this was already the compromise - always had been. (You soon will learn what that means, dear reader.)
"Now," Albus was quickly switching the subject, "Let's think about what we really can do Min. I for my part would like you to stop being too familiar with our dear colleagues as we just don't know... you understand?"
The witch blessed him with one of her less friendly glances and asked
"What is that supposed to mean Albus? - stop being too familiar' - I don't share any kind of intimacies with any of them. Besides, few of them are my friends and can be trusted completely I dare say."
He did realise the angry look on her face and tried his best to calm her down, the anger of Minerva McGonagall was the very last thing he needed now.
"I agree of course but this is what I mean, my dear: we yet have to find out who is friend and who is enemy in this case, you understand?"
Obviously the thought of it being one of her friends who wanted her to be... whatever... hadn't entered her mind until then as she grew very silent all at once.
With a silent voice she answered "You are right, Albus, we don't know."
He could see the sadness and confusion in her eyes and felt the urge to hug her again and give her back her usual confidence. However when he tried to wrap his arms once again around her she pushed him away, raising from the armchair.
"It's fine, Albus."
He watched her walking towards the fireplace where the fire crackled happily, sticking out angry little tongues of red and yellow at them every now and then.
"I am just tired of all this fighting, Albus. I am tired of battles and I am tired and sick of being strong and prepared and ready to go for whatever whenever someone is threatening our lives or those of our students - I don't want anymore Albus."
He had never heard words like these from Minerva and it surprised him to find her so - yes... how actually?
She was still standing by the fire when she continued.
"Since Voldemort is dead, I settled down a bit Albus, and I mean as well mentally. I like my profession as a teacher, I am content with preparing lessons and teaching the regular stuff to those who are talented, and a bit more to those who are ambitious - but I do not need daily adventures and excitement anymore. I am not young anymore Albus."
She turned to face him and he was a little bit lost. Not only for words but also for advice. What could one reply in return to such a statement?
Finally he decided to say
"You don't need to be young Min to face the dark powers. Your wisdom and strength is enough to..."
"Albus, didn't you listen? I do not wish to be strong anymore. I don't want to hear anything about this letter anymore and just continue to live my life for as long as it is granted to me. If Merlin desires to call me home, it might just be so..." She gave him a warm smile and seemed to be very content with what she had just decided.
"Can you understand that, Albus?"
He could but it wouldn't make things easier.
"Very well my dear, of course I do."
This time it was Minerva who hugged him and when she left for the night only little time later, she was her usual self, light and cheerful and without any of the gloomy thoughts that had just occupied her mind.
"Minerva..." He called her back when her hand had already reached for the door.
"What is about.. you know. Has there been a talk while I was away?"
A very wonderful smile now flushed over her face and made her appearance twice as enchanting as it was anyway.
"Nice try Albus."
He chuckeld as well.
"Now come on, Min. You are in love for weeks now, are you going to tell me that you didn't use the chance and pursue your goals while I was away and you secure from my observing eyes?"
She laughed and answered
"Well let's just say there have been words, talks.. and even a walk to the lake."
"Hand in hand?" He could hardly conceal his curiosity but Minerva only blinked knowingly. But Albus wasn't one to give up too quickly.
"Are you going to leave the naughty details all for yourself?"
His friend and deputy pretended a shocked gasp. "Albus Dumbledore, how dare you...!"
He ginned "What - I just wanted to give you the chance and share the memory of such a dazzling experience with your oldest and best friend."
Minerva only smiled dreamy
"If there is going to be such a 'dazzling experience' as you call it then I won't have to tell you a single word because you will know then by only one look into my eyes."
This last sentence was free of all joking but only contained the desire of being finally united with her loved one and Albus felt that this time he shouldn't reply anything.
It had been a long time since his friend had been in love and he wanted her to be as happy as possible.
Did he know well how unconditional her love was and how pure in mind this woman was. The evil had no shelter in her heart.
"There sure will be such a dazzling experience my dear, never doubt."
They shared a smile and in this moment Albus truly wished it to happen soon. Minerva simply deserved it.
"But now you will excuse me, Albus. I need to return to my own chambers."
And with that she was out and left her friend alone, a friend that simply couldn't but call after her:
"Forgive me my dear, I forgot, someone might be waiting for you."
He could hear her laughing while she was quickly walking down the floor towards her own chambers.
Chapter 3
Minerva quickly approached her chambers, her step easy and her heart light. How silly all these things sounded now that she had left Albus' office. All these rumors about someone inside the castle, someone who planned to attack her... She laughed.
Conspiracy theories! And Albus believed them!
"Ha!"
But nonetheless - it had touched something inside her to see how worried Albus had been. He really had interrupted his own holiday, she was more important to him.. but this whole fuss about one letter... Yes, she admitted to herself that for one moment she really had been scared and then.. somehow this fear had been replaced by some kind of trust, a trust that whatevery might happen - she would be ok with it. The way great wizards and witches died never was what people would call normal. They all fell in fights, on the battle field or by carrying out extremely dangerous' tasks in order to safe, protect or defend something or someone. It was the way things had to be. And she didn't believe that Albus really thought he himself would die in his bed, simply not waking up one morning. They all knew what it meant to be in the order or to run a business like Hogwarts, to train and teach white magic!
And yet - she Minerva would never want things to be any different.
She thought about how wonderful her life had been, how full she had lived it and that only few wishes hadn't been fulfilled - yet. A soft smile started to spread over her face, tentatively at first but soon the joy in her heart overwhelmed her last bit of self control and she walked down the candlelit floor, giggling like a young girl.
The last thing Hogwarts saw on this late evening was a happily smiling Professor of Transfigurations that leaned one second against the door of her own chambers before she finally entered her bedroom.
A half hour later when she was stepping out of the shower and reaching for her nightgown, Minerva sighed. Now that Albus had spoken it out so frankly she couldn't but feel this longing deep inside her. Yes, there was someone... someone she wished would be here right now.
Her hand touched her pillow, stroked over the soft surface, felt the inviting warmth of her covers - this bed promised a healthy night's sleep... yes.
Unfortunately Minerva didn't dream of sleep, alone in her bed... she dreamed of someone special lying beneath her, of hands that were reaching out at night to touch her, of a pair of arms that held her close... she dreamed of tender love-making and nights full of passion, delicate caresses and kisses that promised endless love. She wanted to hear this voice whispering her name... this lips kissing her over and over again... She wanted... Hermione. Professor of Muggle-culture and member of the Hogwarts stuff since only a few months.
They had stayed touch ever since Hermione's graduation, sending each other owls that carried long letters, never forgetting the other one's birthday, thinking of each other on Christmas and even sending presents every now and then. But everything changed when Hermione had started to teach the new subject about Muggles and their way of living. Minerva had been fond of the idea when Albus first told her about it - it was important for her students to learn everything they had to learn all about Muggles as the wizarding world couldn't afford to increase the gap that was already dehisced between the two worlds. And when Albus had suggested Hermione to ask for the position... Minerva couldn't believe why she hadn't thought of it herself.
Yes... And when she arrived... How warm their welcome had been... oh beyond words had the feeling been when Hermione had held her close in the first embrace, when she had pressed her soft, warm lips on Minerva's cheeks to greet her... And Minerva had been unable to reply. She remembered Hermione as a pretty girl but that was no comparison to the beauty that had appeared out of nowhere suddenly.
And now she slept in the room next to her and was yet so far away, farther then they had ever been, at least it felt like.
She had opened her heart a bit to Hermione after a few weeks, when they had been alone one evening, chatting over this and that... Hermione had been so close then and Minerva had caught herself staring at Hermiones lips every thirty seconds - she couldn't hide anymore.. and what for anyway. If she ever wanted to have a chance with this woman then she had to tell her how she felt.
Well, she had tried at least but all she had been able to get out was a
"We have been apart for too long."
The longest moment had to pass until Hermione had taken Minerva's hand in her's and replied in the softest tone
"I am home now, Minerva."
This had caused Minerva's heart to leap with joy and she had allowed herself to look at this tantalizing pair of lips in obvious desire, being unable to restrain her attraction.
Their faces had come so close, they hands still entangled...
It knocked at the door.
Minerva angrily opened her eyes. She had fallen into a light slumber dreaming of the last encounter with her Hermione and now someone didn't grant her these dreams even. To sleepy to realise she was only wearing her nightgown she opened the door and stared back into two beautiful eyes.
Maybe this was going to be better than a dream, she thought and smiled.
"Hermione... isn't it a bit late..."
She was taken aback when the young woman quickly crossed the threshold and closed the door behind her.
"..to late to be polite?" She grinned at Minerva and stepped closer until she could easily have embraced her. But as she stood in front of this woman she felt her heart drop and all her courage was gone suddenly. She had wanted to be bold, come over tonight and take the first step finally.
Now that she could do it... she didn't know how to.
Reaching out to caress her naked arm she whispered lovingly after a moment
"You look beautiful in this... bit of... lace."
'God, this is so movie-like,' Minerva thought. 'Please don't let it be one of my dreams.'
Hermione wasnt wearing much herself and Minerva saw her shudder a bit.
"Are you cold?"
Now this was really not how she had planned to seduce Minerva, Hermione thought, and felt more than stupid all at once. A typical blush now crept up her cheeks and coloured her face in a crimson red.
"No... I am... quite hot actually..." - 'What did I just say!'
She bit her lower lip and closed her eyes. 'Please, dear Merlin, let me die right now.'
"Sorry, Minerva I just wanted to ask you... whether..."
"Have a seat dear, I just get some hot tea for you." Minerva's heart was beating fast when she left the young woman in the middle of her bedroom and almost fled into her living room to fetch two cups and a few biscuits.
Returning only a few moments later she found the room empty - Hermione was gone.
An instant disappointment flashed through her and she felt tears welling up in her eyes. Why?
She slowly put down the cups and biscuits on a little table nearby the door and brushed away a tear. Suddenly sadness had a fierce grip around her hear and Minerva couldn't but sob silently.
"Don't cry my darling." A whisper came from behind.
Her eyes wide in surprise she turned around only to find Hermione was lying in her bed.. the same bed in which she had dreamed of her earlier. Her nightgown was lying on the floor and Minerva caught a few glimpses of creamy white skin, barely hidden under the covers.
Minerva felt her throat getting dry and her heart stop beating for a moment.
'Don't let this be a dream, please.'
Smiling the young woman reached out for her.
"Come here to me..."
Minerva felt herself drawn to her, she couldn't help.
Hesitantely she slipped under the covers, shyly avoiding their eyes to meet. She felt Hermione's warmth spreading over to her, her scent was so intoxicating and she new Hermione would reach out any moment to ... t o u c h ... her at last.
Minerva closed her eyes for a second and opened them again only to discover an amused Hermione next to her that watched her closely.
"Are you ok with this, love? - We never spoke about it but... I think you know how I feel about you and I had hopes you feel the same but if not..."
Insecurity took hold of her as she watched Minerva, breathing nervously.
"No," came the haste reply. "No! - I do feel the same."
The look on Hermione's face was one of such genuine love and deeply profound affection that Minerva felt her heart ache for a second.
"I wanted to take it slow Minerva, but... I can't anymore. I need you." Hermione had whispered these words while her hand had cupped Minerva's cheek, drawing her close, closer than Minerva had ever thought they could be. She thought she might explode any moment just from having Hermione touch her cheek.
Minerva titled her head, anticipating their first kiss...
Chapter 4
I think it is time to remind you, dear reader, that in this story nothing is at it seems to be... While the two women were shyly trying to put their feeling out in the open and let the other one know how much in love they really were... There were problems to come... but for the time being let us witness the true joy of real love both women discovered at that night.
I interrupted my tale at the moment when Hermione reached out for her beloved one to seal their love with a first kiss...
Both had their eyes closed and Minerva could already feel the other woman's lips lovingly claim her own but before the kiss grew more passionate - she pulled back.
A clearly surprised and even a bit hurt Hermione opened her eyes, a puzzled and confused expression on her face.
"What...?... did I do anything wrong?"
The professor quickly leaned forward and cupped Hermione's hands with hers.
"No, my darling, no, not at all... it's just... I have been waiting so many weeks now since you have come back to me... to Hogwarts... and for weeks now I have been thinking of how I could reveal my feelings to you without offending you or scare you away... the fact you have come to me tonight... and are now lying here in my bed wearing..." - she glanced down to Hermione's bare shoulders - "...nothing really. Its simply a bit quick for me Hermione, can you understand that? I only want to cherish this moment a bit longer... You were just going to kiss me for the first time and all I want is to look at you for a moment, to hold your hands and tell you all I have been wanting to tell you for so long now..."
She searched for Hermione's understanding in these deep blue eyes - and found it.
"And after I have admired you for some while - you may drown me with kisses, Mione." She blinked at her soon to be lover, flashing her a really wonderful smile.
Now it was Hermione's turn to say something. But it was only after a long silence that she found the right words to answer.
Her fingertips gently brushed over the back of Minerva's hands, not looking up until she said silently
"You are right of course. - I am sorry, Min. Like you I was drawn to you since our reunion. I didn't know at first whether I was ready for something like this and I freely admit that it took me a while until I couln't deny it anymore - I love you, Minerva, yes I do."
She stopped a moment to inhale; Minerva had stopped breathing a few moments ago and her eyes, as well as Hermione's, were filled with tears now.
"Oh Hermione..." She whispered, reaching for her to kiss her now. However the other woman put a finger on her lips to silent her.
"No, my darling, let me get that out first." Minerva nodded and a tear escaped her normally so calm eyes. At this sight however Hermione's heart clenched and she reached up to tenderly brush the tear away, stopping it tracing down Minerva's cheek.
"Do not cry, love." She whispered before continueing slowly
"I have planned to tell you about my feelings three weeks ago, after you have been unwell for a few days. I just realised how much you really meant to me and... yes, but then I couldn't find the courage.. and I wanted to talk to you the Saturday after that week, when they would all be at Hogsmead.. and again, I found myself unable to tell you... I soon realised how hard this would be and I thought about writing you a letter but it sounded just as silly and so I thought of simply kissing you but this... was even more difficult."
She chuckled and Minerva couldn't but smirk, imagining herself when Hermione would just have kissed her at one of her numerous encounters in her office, the kitchen, the Great Hall or even down by the lake. She would have been more than taken by surprise.
"Yes, I can imagine honey. I don't know if I had had the courage to do it - well I obviously hadn't."
They both laughed, Hermione added
"Yes, and when I decided to come over tonight I vowed to myself I would tell you for sure. But then - there you stood and... I thought you would still be working or so..." She blushed slightly.
"I wasn't prepared to see you in your nighty." Minerva now blushed as well.
"And then you thougth you should just strip down yourself and get some advantage this way." The transfiguartion teacher giggeld, reaching again for Hermione's hands, as the other woman eagerly replied.
"In a way, maybe. You would know instantly what I felt for you then - without words." There was a moment of silence until Hermione whispered.
"I didn't mean to rush things my darling Minerva. It's just that I am lying in this damn bed every night, thinking of you, dreaming of you, wanting y..."
She couldn't finish because Minerva had made the first step and laid her arms around the naked woman, gently pressing her closer before brushing her lips ever so softly against Hermione's.
Minerva smiled when a sigh escaped her lover. She wanted to make Hermione feel this love and how much she meant to her.
They exchanged a kiss that was more meaningful than any word could ever have been and both women realised that this love had only been given to few.
When they stopped lavishing the other one's lips, they were both out of breath, had rosy cheeks and a desire for each other that was hard to tame.
"May I touch you?"
Hermione felt so stupid asking such a question while lying naked in this woman's bed but Minerva acted quite naturally, only giggling.
"My dear, you are fun really. You don't really ask for permission to enter my chambers but you ask before you touch me... and that although I think your hands are already in places that would have required permission..." She grinned.
A deep blush filled Hermione's face, making her all the more desireable to Minerva. She peered down to her hands and discovered that during their last kiss her hands had already started their journey over Minerva's body - at first she couldn't tell where exactly they were now. But moving one hand, she sensed that this one was resting on the other woman's back while the other one had clearly cupped something very soft...
"Oh." She said and grinned at Minerva who was grinning back, challenging.
"Should I apologize now... or do you like that?" She felt Minerva's hands gently exploring her body as well now, kissing her neck, her cheeks and finally her lips she answered
"It does feel very good my dear and you know that you don't have to ask before you touch me."
Hermione realised that this woman had held her heart for so long.
Minerva had sensed the intensity that built up between them, however there was something else in her lover's eys and she asked
"What, my love?"
It laid a great sincerity in the words that followed then
I don't know how to say... - You hold a great power in the simple act of ... being" Hermione whispered.
Unable to say anything in return, Minerva leaned forward to kiss Hermione again, taking her time to discover her lover's lips, to pleasure her in a very sensous way and then replied the only words possible
"I love you."
Hermione looked into her eyes for a moment until she felt her lips move, and by their own will they formed the words
"I want you to become my wife, Minerva."
There was a very long moment, nothing was said, only their breathing could be heard - and Hermione's heartbeat, when Minerva finally answered
"Yes."
It was neither Minerva's way to answser such a question quickly nor to answer a question like this at all, let alone in the first night, after the first kiss.. but she did. and she answered with yes.
Both women melted into another embrace and what else happened in that night... you may just imagine, dear reader.
To be continued